FIFpro World XI 2014 Midfielder Shortlist Named: Mesut Ozil, Arturo Vidal, More

FIFA has announced the 15 midfielders in contention to make this year's FIFPro World XI, with only the forwards shortlist left to be unveiled on Dec. 1.

The midfield shortlist includes three World Cup winners, with Germany captain Bastian Schweinsteiger, Toni Kroos and Mesut Ozil each making the cut, as announced by FIFA on Friday:

Spanish players figure the heaviest, however, with Xavi, Andres Iniesta, Xabi Alonso and Cesc Fabregas all vying for their places in the final lineup, which will be revealed on Jan. 12, 2015.

Although some of those mentioned could still feature in the forwards shortlist, Squawka has compiled an interesting rundown of the most glaring omissions from FIFA's reckoning:

Earlier in the week, FIFA announced those names who had weaved their way onto the shortlists for the goalkeeper and the defender spots in the FIFPro XI:

James Rodriguez will be largely remembered in 2014 for his contributions to Colombia's World Cup ambitions before sealing a summer switch to Real Madrid from Monaco.

The Juventus trio of Paul Pogba, Arturo Vidal and Andrea Pirlo also deserve recognition after leading the Bianconeri to their third successive Scudetto, as well as featuring for France, Chile and Italy, respectively, in Brazil.

Not all of those included on the shortlist will be agreed upon, however. Ozil helped Joachim Low's side to their World Cup victory and had a hand in Arsenal's FA Cup triumph, but he endured an underwhelming 12 months on an individual level.

One might suggest either Mario Gotze or Thomas Muller is more deserving. Both of those players featured heavily in Bayern Munich's record-fastest Bundesliga title victory, while Gotze scored the goal which won Germany the World Cup; Muller played a key role in their competition success.

Both must surely feature on the strikers list.

Antonio Calanni/Associated Press

Manchester United haven't had many positives to go on this past year but can take some comfort in seeing summer signing Angel Di Maria included.

The Argentinian aided Lionel Messi in guiding their nation to the World Cup final, and his final season at Real Madrid ended on a high note after claiming the Champions League.

The final FIFPro XI will consist of names who have performed the best on an individual scale, however, meaning team accomplishments may only count for so much of their final vote count.